State support for the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is at a historic low point. Over the past two years, General Fund support to DEP's budget has been cut by one-third. Gov. Corbett is now proposing to cut DEP's budget even further.

Take action now! Tell our Elected Officials, "No More Cuts to DEP!"

State General Fund support for DEP's budget:

• FY 2008/2009: $ 217.5 million (actual)
• FY 2009/2010 $ 155.9 million (actual)
• FY 2010/2011 $ 147.1 million (available)
• FY 2011/2012 $ 140.0 million (proposed)

Total three year cut: $ 77.5 million
Percentage cut: 35.6% since FY 2008/2009

Hexavalent chromium, also called chromium 6, came to the public's attention with the 2000 release of the movie Erin Brockovich, which focused on the contaminated drinking water of Hinkley, California. Hexavalent chromium is a heavy metal used in producing pigments, leather tanning, electroplating, metal processing, wood preservation, and in alloys such as stainless steel. It was also used to inhibit corrosion in cooling towers - the use that contaminated Hinkley's water. Drinking water sources can become contaminated by leaks and discharges from industrial facilities and hazardous waste sites.

Clean Water Action is proud to introduce its first California Clean Water Legislative Scorecard! Clean Water Action organizes campaigns for policies that promote safe drinking water and water quality protection, environmental justice, safer chemicals, and prevent plastic pollution and waste.

This scorecard rates the voting record of California's Legislators and Governor and recognizes several Clean Water Legislators who received an "A" for their exemplary voting records in 2009 and 2010.

Related Articles

• Clean Water Action Recognizes Legislative Clean Water Champions

Clean Water Action and Sierra Club have released a 2009-2010 Scorecard for all Pennsylvania state representatives and senators.

Before you head to the polls on November 2, see how your representatives have been voting in Harrisburg on the environmental issues that you care about!

Get the complete scorecard. (pdf, 618 kb)

COMMUNITY SOURCE WATER PROTECTION INITIATIVE

Clean Water Fund, the Campaign for Safe and Affordable Drinking Water and the Clean Water Network partnered in an exciting project to promote drinking water source protection. States were required to complete Source Water Assessments by 2003; the challenge for communities concerned about clean and safe water is to move beyond assessment to getting real protection of drinking water sources. The project provided citizen leaders with information, tools, training and support to develop models for source water protection activities. This initiative was funded in part by a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Carbon Capture and Storage Overview

Source: State of Michigan Executive Budget, FY2011

Michigan sells its natural beauty to the rest of the country through its "Pure Michigan" tourism campaign. Michigan has a long history of environmental and conservation innovation and leadership. Unfortunately, in recent years, that dedication has weakened, and investment has faded.

Source: University of Notre Dame's Center for Aquatic Conservation

Located in the center of the planet's greatest freshwater resource, Michigan has a unique role as steward and caretaker of the majestic Great Lakes. They contain almost 20 percent of the world's fresh surface water, and Michigan is the only state entirely within their basin. The rivers, streams, ponds and groundwater that are the Lakes' lifeblood are also the backbone of the Michigan economy, essential to the health of its ecosystems and vital to our very identity as Michiganders. Unfortunately, our water resources are at continuing risk.